5 Things You Need to Know Before You Go Hiking

Whether you're planning an epic journey or just a walk through the woods, keep these things in mind.

This summer, officials at the Pacific Crest Trail are expecting an influx of Wild-inspired hikers. Whether you prefer an epic journey or just a walk in the woods, here's how to have a top-notch trek:

1. Test your gear. "If you don't know how something works, it's useless. Do a trial run of everything, from fire sticks to your pack and shoes, in a safe place," says Dorothy-Brown Kwaiser, a ranger for the Oregon State Parks.

2. Share your plans. "Tell people what trail head you're starting at and what time you'll return — especially if hiking alone — so a friend knows where to send help if you're not back on time," says Liz Bergeron, director and CEO of the Pacific Crest Trail Association.

3. Ditch cotton. Wear a quick-drying, performance-fabric base layer that won't chafe. Top it with a merino wool long-sleeve shirt; it's breathable and warm even when wet, so you'll be OK if it rains.

4. Stock up on food and water. "A good rule of thumb is one pint of water for every two hours or four miles, and one and a half pounds of food per day," says April Sylva, who hiked the entire 2,663 miles of the PCT and even got married there. Pack protein bars, jerky, nuts, and dried fruits, plus extra H2O or Aquamira Water Purifier Tablets.

5. Mind your (trail) manners. "When you encounter other hikers on a narrow trail, the person going downhill should stop and let the one going uphill pass," says Bergeron. Also, the "Leave no trace" adage means take all trash with you — even natural things like apple cores and orange peels.